5. ANSI manipulation in Perl: 15:08

You can go to specified (x,y) positions, clear the screen, and output
colors by using modules from CPAN. Under Windows, you can do this by
installing the Win32::Console::ANSI, Term::ANSIColor, and
Term::ANSIScreen modules. For more information about these modules, check out

4. Unanswered mail hack: 15:04

I'm having a hard time keeping track of mail I've already answered.
To better keep track of my mail, I think I will split off my personal
mail into several groups:

- mail.misc
- mail.misc.archive for mail I've already answered and for my replies; threads I consider complete
- mail.misc.noanswer for mail I want to archive but don't need to answer
- mail.misc.all, a virtual group that lets me see and search through all the mail

1. Get-together yesterday: 00:19

- The sharp staccato clacks of stiletto boots on polished tile
- The animated chatter of friends long not met
- The buzz of a crowded mall even on a Monday afternoon
- The clatter of pins knocked down by a bowling ball inexpertly sent down the lane; more often, though, the steady rolling that accompanies a gutter ball
- The blare of an arcade basketball machine counting down the seconds, the clang of balls bouncing off the rim, the swish of a rimless throw, the indistinct blur of points and misses lost in the intensity of the game
- A quick, friendly "You're good" mumbled by an onlooker
- The rustling of a crowd gathered around the Dance Maniax game
- The whoosh of the MRT on the commute home

Arcade:

Sweat trails down my forehead as I start my fourth game of arcade
basketball. I'm slowly figuring out a technique: how and when to
breathe, how to spin the ball to dispel the excess force I put in due
to excitement, how to adjust my direction or velocity. The rewarding
swish of several consecutive baskets thrills me. For a confirmed
computer science geek who was never fond of basketball in school, this
is a discovery - I may not have been as bad at hand-eye coordination
as I thought.

Breathe. Ignore form. Ignore time. Nothing exists but this ball and
the basket. I don't need to impress anyone by jumping or twisting or
pitching the ball with a certain style; I just need to relax, breathe,
and let the ball go. Slow down. Better to have a few balls go in than
have many attempts fail. Learn control. As I become accustomed to the
game I will be able to go faster. Till then, better to learn how to
control the ball.

I go to the arcades for physical exercise. Dance Dance Revolution for
agility: this gives my feet a workout I can't match elsewhere. Dance
Maniax for fun and for more coordination: buffering future moves.
Basketball is a recent addition, discovered recently when I saw Eric
playing and - competitive streak! - I challenged him.

One of the most euphoric moments I had was right after a particularly
strenuous DDR and basketball session. I was so tired, I found it only
natural to speak slowly and in a low voice - although I shifted into a
childishly high voice from time to time. That was fun. I felt
profoundly relaxed.

I'd love to hear about any questions, comments, suggestions or links that you might have. Your comments will not be posted on this website immediately, but will be e-mailed to me first. You can use this form to get in touch with me, or e-mail me at [email protected] .

Page: 2003.12.30

Updated: 2004-11-2106:44:1406:44:14-0500

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